The Point of It All

Scripture – Luke 2:1-7: ¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register. ⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) For all that goes on during the Christmas season – all the commercials, crowds, TV specials, pageantry, noise – for all of that there is no good reason without this basic truth in vs. 7. Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus. All of human experience tipped toward hope when she laid Him in the manger. Everything changed in that moment. This is what we celebrate – the birth of our Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my focus on the manger over these next few days. For in the manger God’s Son is found. With all there is to do, I’ll remember His birth is the point of it all.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you again for your Son. I can’t thank you often enough. I live in hope and peace and possibility each day because of what you’ve done. Thank you for your amazing act of grace.

Reading for Sunday, December 23:

Scripture – Luke 2:8-11: ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.